Saturday, December 26, 2009

Do you think judges should have the power to decide what religion your children must belong to and which churches they may attend or may be prohibited from attending?

The following views may seem crazy, but they happened.

Cook County Circuit Judge Edward Jordan issued a restraining order to prohibit Joseph Reyes from taking his three-year-old daughter to any non-Jewish religious activities because the ex-wife argued that would contribute to "the emotional detriment of the child." Mrs. Rebecca Reyes wants to raise her daughter in the Jewish religion, and the judge sided with the mother. (1)

As Joseph Reyes' divorce attorney, Joel Brodsky, said when he saw the judge's restraining order, "I almost fell off my chair. I thought maybe we were in Afghanistan and this was the Taliban." The lawyer is appealing.

Doesn't the First Amendment extend to fathers? Apparently not if they are divorced. This case sounds extreme, but it is a good illustration of how family courts, the lowest in the judicial hierarchy, have become the most dictatorial of all courts because of the tremendous number of families and amounts of private money they control and the lack of accountability for their decisions.

In another divorce case this year, a family court in New Hampshire (where the state motto is "Live Free or Die") ordered ten-year-old Amanda Kurowski to quit being homeschooled by her mother and instead to attend fifth grade in the local public school. Judge Lucinda V. Sadler approved the court-appointed expert's view that Amanda "appeared to reflect her mother's rigidity on questions of faith" and that Amanda "would be best served by exposure to multiple points of view." (2)

Where did family court judges get the power to decide what church and what school the children of divorced parents must attend?

It certainly seems that family court judges have amassed this extraordinary power by co-opting and changing the definition of a time-honored concept: "the best interest of the child." Much like what will happen under the current Presidential administration, Congress, and the Supreme Court, the USA will bend under whatever the current interpretation of the laws are. As the many Bills going through Congress today are UN-Constitutional, it should be UN-Constitutional for government to dictate children's lives. Especially if the parents are upstanding, provide for their children, and do not abuse them in any way or form.

This "the best interest of the child" rule originally came from English common law as compiled by William Blackstone in 1765, and meant that parents are presumed to act in their own children's best interest. For centuries, English and American courts honored parents' rights by recognizing the legal presumption that the best interest of a child is whatever a fit parent says it is, and should not be second-guessed by a judge.

When states revised their family-law statutes in the 1970s, the "best interest of the child" became disconnected from parents' decisions, and family courts assumed the discretion to decide the best interest of children of divorced and unmarried parents.

The notion that persons other than parents should decide what is in a child's best interest is illustrated by the slogan "it takes a village to raise a child." Those who use that slogan understand "village" to mean government courts, government schools, or government social workers.

The trouble with the best-interest rule is that it is totally subjective; it's a matter of individual opinion. Parents make hundreds of different decisions, and should have the right to make their decisions even if they contravene the self-appointed experts.

Whether the decision is big (such as where to go to church or school), or small (such as playing baseball or soccer) there is no objective way to say which is "best."

Since judges are supposed to base their decisions on evidence presented in open court, and there is no objective basis for deciding thousands of questions involved in raising a child, judges call on the testimony of expert witnesses. A big industry has grown up of psychologists, psychiatrists, social workers, custody evaluators, and counselors who are eager to collect fees for giving their opinions.

Having opinions produced by persons with academic degrees is a way to make subjective and arbitrary judgments appear objective. With the volume of cases coming through family courts, judges can evade responsibility for controversial decisions by rubber-stamping opinions of these court-appointed experts. So essentially lawmakers, judges, and a whole host of others stick their tail between their legs and support the highest academic or professional views of the day. Interpreting law and reason today gives many in government sweeping powers, never before seen, that reach deep into the societies and communities of America. This ultimately rears it's ugly head into today's American family as well.

Scientific American Mind published a scholarly paper in October 2005 by three noted psychologists who explained that the practice of allowing courts to be de facto decision makers "is legally, morally and scientifically wrong. . . . Parents should determine their children's lives after separation, just as when they are married. . . . Parents, not judges or mental health professionals, are the best experts on their own children." (3)

So who do you trust? If you find yourself within the government's grasp or within a court room in which your children are the object of the microscope, does the government or court really know what your children need?

In today's society more and more people are turning to the courts and to government to essentially raise their children. As parents fail in one aspect of life or another it is destined to happen. Even if parents do not fail in any aspect of raising their own children, there is still the chance of government intervention in some way, shape, or form. There are no guarantees.

So what do you do?(This post was adapted from "The Eagle Forum" by: Phyllis Schlafly)

Wednesday, December 16, 2009

Sometime in 1994, two Americans answered an invitation from the Russian Department of Education to teach morals and ethics public schools. These lessons were to be taught from the Bible, per the Russian's request. My, my how the times have changed in just a short span. These Missionaries were invited to teach at prisons, businesses, the fire and police departments and a large orphanage.

As the holiday season was coming to a close, the orphans heard the traditional Christmas story for the first time. The American Missionaries told them about Mary and Joseph arriving in Bethlehem; and after finding no room in the inn, Mary and Joseph went to a stable, where Jesus was born and placed in the manger. Throughout the story, the children listened in amazement. Some sat on the edges of their stools, trying to grasp every word.

As a follow-up activity to the story, the Missionaries used a hands-on approach- using crafts to lay down some Biblical teaching. Each child was given three small pieces of cardboard to make a crude manager. Each child was also given a small paper square, cut from yellow napkins that the children tore into strips, and then carefully laid in the manger for straw. Small squares of flannel from a discarded nightgown were used for the baby's blanket. Pieces of tan felt were used for the doll-like baby.

As the Missionaries made their way around the room to observe the children, one of the American Missionaries noted, "All went well until I got to one table where 6-year-old Misha sat. He appeared to have finished his project. As I looked at the little boy's manger, I was startled to see, not one, but two, babies in the manger! Quickly, I called for the translator to ask the lad why there were two babies in the manger."

The translation specialist noted Misha very accurately recalled the story that had been told until he came to the part where Mary put Jesus in the manger. "Misha then started to ad lib and paraphrase his own ending," recalls the observer.

"And when Maria laid the baby in the manger, Jesus looked at me and asked me if I had a place to stay. I told him I have no momma and I have no papa, so I don't have any place to stay. Then Jesus told me I could stay with him. But I told him I couldn't because I didn't have a gift to give him like everybody else did. I wanted to stay with Jesus so much, so I thought about what I had that maybe I could use for a gift. So I asked Jesus, if I kept Him warm, would that be a good enough gift?"

At that point Jesus told me, "If you keep me warm, that will be the best gift anybody ever gave me."

"So, I got into the manger, and then Jesus looked at me and told me I 'could stay with him...for always'!"

As little Misha finished his story, his eyes brimmed full of tears that splashed down his little cheeks. Putting his hand over his face, his head dropped to the table, and his shoulders shook as he sobbed and sobbed. The little orphan had found someone who would never abandon or abuse him, someone who would stay with him... for always!

Monday, December 7, 2009

Depression is a serious condition that can occur at any age and affects thoughts, feelings, and the ability to function in everyday life. If compared to the normal emotional experiences of life, depression is persistent and can interfere with a person's ability to function. Clinical depression is a physical condition that must be diagnosed by a physician. Whether classified as Major depression or manic depression, Dysthymia, and/or Bipolar disorder the condition is real and it is serious. Depression is one of the most common conditions associated with suicide in teenagers and older adults.Contrary to what some in the Christian community believe, clinical depression is not always caused by sin and the Healing for depression is not always an instant process; as there is no magic switch to flick and make everything sunny again. Psychology considers depression to be mostly a disorder of the brain that shifts in a person’s mood, energy, and ability to function and is totally different from the normal ups and downs in life. Those suffering from depression can experience intense feelings of sadness, anger, hopelessness, fatigue, and a variety of other symptoms. They may begin to feel useless and even suicidal, losing interest in things and people that they once enjoyed. Depression is often triggered by life circumstances, things at school or situations at work, death of a loved one, divorce, or other problems such as abuse or low self-esteem.Depression sometimes needs to be treated with medication. Of course, God is able to cure any disease or disorder and God intends for us all to live joyful lives. The Bible tells us to be filled with joy and praise (Philippians 4:4; Romans 15:11). This medicine is not easy for some to swallow, yet the remedy and healing must ultimately come from God for it to have any lasting promise or power, as modern medicine simply cannot supply any real Healing. Through God's gifts of prayer, His Word, support groups, fellowship, and counseling the feelings of depression can often be solved. Especially when those suffering with depression move the focus from themselves to Jesus and God's Will for their lives. Those suffering from depression must be willing to make a conscious effort to not be absorbed in themselves, but to turn their efforts outward. It should be known that regardless of depression or not, there are responsibilities in life placed upon an individual. Especially the ability to choose the things that will be the focus of their attention.There are some things that those who suffer from depression can do to alleviate their pain and/or suffering. They should make sure that they are staying in the Word, even when they do not feel like it. Bringing the mind into obedience to Christ (2 Corinthians 10:5), renewing thinking (Romans 12:2; Ephesians 4:23; Colossians 3:15), meditating on proper things (Philippians 4:8), and adjusting the focus of your thoughts (Matthew 6:33; Colossians 3:1) are a great starting point of reference from God's Word to anyone suffering from the trials of life, including depression of any stage. Emotions can lead us astray, but God's Word stands firm and unchanging. We must maintain strong faith in God and hold even more tightly to Him when we undergo trials and temptations. With that anyone suffering with any stage of depression should be concerned about the expectations and instructions that God has about life, especially in light of depressive thoughts and actions.

It has been such a blessing and a privilege to write as writing. Lord willing, I will continue for many, many years to come. As of now I want to extend a great amount of "thanks" to a very large number of people.As many of you know on Monday, November 23rd, my Dad Jimmy Lewis went home to be with the Lord. Many of you knew him simply as "Chief". I want to thank each and everyone of you who Prayed, as well as I wish to thank all of you who stepped in and done so many wonderful things for us as a family in this long process.A special thanks to Dr. Danny Cochran, Robert Richardson, John Bagley and my entire Holly Creek Baptist Church family. Without you everything seemingly would have fell apart. Thank you so very much. Also a very special thanks to Pastor Donald Young of Maranatha Baptist Church. You and my Dad were special friends, thank you so much for visiting him and Praying for and with him almost everyday.Now to all of you in the community reading this column. On one day my Dad and I were putting together a pen for his dogs, talking about life, and joking around. Almost literally the very next day he was folded up and critically sick.We can never judge the heart, but we can see fruit on the vine. With that said, I know my Dad was saved. This Christmas would have been two years since he gave his life to the Lord. I know without a shadow of any doubt that my Dad is at the feet of the Lord Jesus right now as you read this. He repented and confessed Lord Jesus as the Lord and Savior of his life.Some of you can claim the same promise. Many of you cannot. This world would like for you to think the boundaries between life and death are shadowy and vague. These boundaries are not shadowy and vague, God holds them in one hand as He holds your very breath in the other. There is no promise of tomorrow. Tomorrow may never come for you. If you have not claimed Jesus as Lord of your life, repented of the sin in your life, and began a relationship with Him; today is the day you need to do this. Life and death are merely separated by a moment. Put your life in His hands. It's more than insurance for the future, it is a guarantee.

Divorce is a nasty mud hole reaching deep into the fabric of society; even with the labeling of divorce as uncontested and/or no fault has done little more than standardize what is really just institutionalized evil. There's not really a distinction between a Christian and non-Christian marriage anymore; as seen frequently with the equal opportunity given to divorce. It can certainly be seen that the overwhelming lack of distinction between Christian and non-Christian marriage serves as a gauge that is indicating a continuous lack of faith, spiritual depth, and Biblical understanding within the North American church. It seems marriage is no longer about the preservation of one flesh , or the keeping of a promise.Christians have always fought against abominations and social evils from slavery to abortion. Yet on divorce it seems that the majority are either quiet or giving some sort of motivational speech on the topic. Divorce has destroyed more families than any other epidemic in history. Societies today would not be standing on the edge of breakdown over same-sex marriage were it not for the erosion of divorce that has effected marriage.Divorce is a tough issue and a touchy subject that includes very personal and painful struggles. There are some who divorce their spouse for no real reason and yet there are some who endure very physical and difficult marital situations. Some desire to reconcile and some just want to move on. Apart from violence and physical abuse the reason doesn't matter. While there are areas in the Bible which lay a possibility for divorce, the Word of God is clear in that divorce is an absolute, after all things are exhausted, last thing. In self-justifying efforts showing their desire and/or choice to divorce, people communicate things like, “What if my husband…”; “But my wife doesn’t…”; or “God wants me to be happy…”; and on and on. This personal, me centered, mentality replaces God for their own wants and desires rather than what the Bible actually says.But what can be done?The largest hope lies in the couples desiring to go into marriage. These are the ones who make the commitment. This commitment is in the eyes of God Almighty, not just on a piece of paper from the court house. If these only knew to develop themselves for that commitment and realize that marriage is a covenant. Something that is missing in society today, it seems, is what marriage it really means to God. God officiated the very first wedding in the garden of Eden and He will officiate the last one ever in Heaven between the Church and Jesus.If you are going through a marriage situation, a divorce, or already divorced know that there is hope. Turn to God in this time of need. For those of you who are struggling in your marriages and having issues, engage the church, church family, and/or church leadership. Seek help before looking to divorce. These words go contrary to your feelings and will represent that small step of faith needed, which is also pleasing to God. Also, there are some who are almost divorced and can't stop it; as well as those who are already divorced. The prescription is still the same. Seek God. Believe it or not, there are churches that have specific programs in place for those who are already divorced.Remember, God loves you. King Jesus is on the throne and is reigning now. Nothing happens or will occur apart from God’s sovereign plan and His purpose. When your life is in the most terrible of storms and even while in the most severe trials we can rest in the assurance that God will use these things for good. Turn to Him in these times of need.

Thanksgiving currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a tradition stretching back to before the United States was ever even formed and ultimately becoming a federal holiday until 1941. Thanksgiving is an observation to give thanks to God. Most will celebrate by coming together in the home with family and friends for a time of fellowship, feasting, and giving Glory to God; yet some will not.Thanksgiving can be traced to harvest festivals which have been celebrated in many cultures since ancient times, the American holiday is tied to the deliverance of the English settlers by God, through the Native Americans, after the harsh winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts and that event has become the historical epic foundation of thanksgiving in North America. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three whole days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Indians. That very first Thanksgiving was celebrated to give glory, praise, and ultimate thanks to God for His Providence in helping the pilgrims survive the brutal winter. More than half of the pilgrims who began the journey to the colonies on the Mayflower died; many more would have had it not been for God using the Native Americans in teaching the pilgrims how to harvest foods in the new land.Thanksgiving today is sometimes celebrated differently in today's post-modern society. Some, if not most, don't even pray before any meal; much less praying before a thanksgiving meal. In this current self centered world the entire meaning of being thankful, as well as the true meaning of thanksgiving is tainted if not lost altogether.What are you thankful for this thanksgiving? Is your life lived in obedience and giving glory to the Lord, in the good times and the bad? Do you take many things in your life for granted? By looking at the world a little differently, you just might realize how much you have to be thankful for. Life should be focused on living in gratitude and love, fully aware of God's presence at all times. This is an attitude to have daily. For true Christians thanksgiving is not a once a year deal, it is an everyday way of life. Sharing this with joy and thanksgiving with others and showing the Love of Jesus Christ will help maintain a daily balance in the walk of life.

As today's to-do list becomes endless, it seems prayer is most often at the bottom of that list for most people. When bad things happen to us, loved ones, or even total strangers; more often than not it is the faith that becomes strained or challenged first. Most people often wonder how could God let certain things take place. Many continue to argue against God and the faith in response to the evil in the world. While these feelings will occur in all of us, the response given is definitely a response given to God concerning your life altogether.Serious illness, death, loss of employment, addiction, and a host of other things may show up in someone's life that would be a sign of bad things that have happened or are happening. Whatever the deal may be, the struggle in life will then become harder and life just simply becomes hard to deal with. Normal everyday life in these bad things situations becomes a burden, challenging, and leaves people in a state of constant worry. This places some that want to believe wondering about God altogether and it positions those that do believe questioning the Almighty about their life and situations.Bad things do and will happen, apart from the Lord Jesus coming back, they will continue to happen. The struggle that takes place during these bad things does not mean that a person has weak faith. The struggle that takes place in life is a chance to lean on the faith and draw from the deep well of God's promises.Faith is not just simply a feeling or a high powered good-luck charm. Faith is a relationship and must be exercised daily. Being strong in the faith allows us to turn everything over to God, whatever the deal may be. Acknowledging the importance of God in your life is a tremendous step of faith. The worry, fear, anxiety, and/or depression a person expresses in life is the soul speaking out about what's really going on in life. That is why it is evermore important to keep God first in all things. Mankind was never meant to go it alone and only God can give what is needed in the bad times as well as the good times.Bad things in life does not mean their is no God, nor does it mean your faith is small or misguided. To truly know joy and experience joy, even in the bad things of life, turn to God with all your life. Give Jesus the worry, anxiety, fear, depression, and everything else too. This is the first step of - faith in action. Give it to God and move on.

As today's to-do list becomes endless, it seems prayer is most often at the bottom of that list for most people. When bad things happen to us, loved ones, or even total strangers; more often than not it is the faith that becomes strained or challenged first. Most people often wonder how could God let certain things take place. Many continue to argue against God and the faith in response to the evil in the world. While these feelings will occur in all of us, the response given is definitely a response given to God concerning your life altogether.Serious illness, death, loss of employment, addiction, and a host of other things may show up in someone's life that would be a sign of bad things that have happened or are happening. Whatever the deal may be, the struggle in life will then become harder and life just simply becomes hard to deal with. Normal everyday life in these bad things situations becomes a burden, challenging, and leaves people in a state of constant worry. This places some that want to believe wondering about God altogether and it positions those that do believe questioning the Almighty about their life and situations.Bad things do and will happen, apart from the Lord Jesus coming back, they will continue to happen. The struggle that takes place during these bad things does not mean that a person has weak faith. The struggle that takes place in life is a chance to lean on the faith and draw from the deep well of God's promises.Faith is not just simply a feeling or a high powered good-luck charm. Faith is a relationship and must be exercised daily. Being strong in the faith allows us to turn everything over to God, whatever the deal may be. Acknowledging the importance of God in your life is a tremendous step of faith. The worry, fear, anxiety, and/or depression a person expresses in life is the soul speaking out about what's really going on in life. That is why it is evermore important to keep God first in all things. Mankind was never meant to go it alone and only God can give what is needed in the bad times as well as the good times.Bad things in life does not mean their is no God, nor does it mean your faith is small or misguided. To truly know joy and experience joy, even in the bad things of life, turn to God with all your life. Give Jesus the worry, anxiety, fear, depression, and everything else too. This is the first step of - faith in action. Give it to God and move on.

Wednesday, December 2, 2009

Two particular books are, Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neale D. Walsch.If you have children or grandchildren, work with children at church, or you have neighborhood children whose parents you know, please take note of the information below and pass it along to others. Schools are distributing this book to children through the Scholastic Book Club.The Conversations with God... James Dobson talked about this book twice this week. It is devastating. Parents, churches and Christian schools need to be aware of it. As we, as parents, should always pay special attention not only to what our kids watch on TV, in movie theaters, on the internet, and the music they listen to, but also be alert regarding the books they read.Two particular books are, Conversations with God and Conversations with God for Teens, written by Neale D. Walsch. They sound harmless enough by their titles alone. The books have been on the New York Times best sellers list for a number of weeks.These books make truth of the statement, "Don't judge a book by its cover or title."The author purports to answer various questions asked by kids using the "voice of God".. However, the "answers" that he gives are not Bible-based and go against the very infallible word of God. For instance (and I paraphrase), when a girl asks the question "Why am I a lesbian?" His answer is that she was 'born that way' because of genetics (just as you were born right-handed, with brown eyes, etc.). Then he tells her to go out and "celebrate" her differences.Another girls poses the question "I am living with my boyfriend. My parents say that I should marry him because I am living in sin. Should I marry him?"His reply is, "Who are you sinning against? Not me, because you have done nothing wrong....."Another question asks about God's forgiveness of sin. His reply "I do not forgive anyone because there is nothing to forgive. There is no such thing as right or wrong and that is what I have been trying to tell everyone, do not judge people. People have chosen to judge one another and this is wrong, because the rule is "'judge not lest ye be judged." (Which is a misquote taken out of context from Matthew chapter 7)Not only are these books the false doctrine of the devil, but in many instances quote (in error) the Word of God.And the list goes on. These books (and others like it) are being sold to school children through (The Scholastic Book Club), and we need to be aware of what is being fed to our children.Our children are under attack.. So I pray that you be sober and vigilant about teaching your children the Word of God, and guarding their exposure to worldly mediums, because our adversary, the devil, roams about as a roaring lion seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). We know that lions usually hunt for the slowest, weakest and Youngest of its prey. - Jeff Lewis

Friday, November 13, 2009

Some today extend the thought and idea that a Christian can lose their Salvation. These often cite passages in the Bible like Matthew 7:21, James 1:25, or 2 Peter 3:17. Many times the ones declaring that a person can lose their Salvation will put forth the idea of many places in the Bible that repeatedly warn Christians to remain in Jesus and to continue in the faith so that they don’t fall away from the faith. Some times these same ones try to debate or argue that Christians who reject their faith or shipwreck their faith using words like turn away, wander, or those who disown Jesus will lose their Salvation.Most Christians have had moments of doubt concerning their salvation. After all, everyone has entertained thoughts and have committed acts were displeasing to God. Backsliding can no doubt cause such feelings to arise, and should hopefully move us to repentance (1 John 1:9). But for just a moment let's take a deeper look.A Christian is an individual who has, by faith, asked for forgiveness of their sin, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior. A Christian is not person who has simply claimed something without first requesting it through prayer, walked down an aisle, prayed because it was what their friends were doing, or been raised in a Christian family. The Bible says a genuine Christian is a new creation, redeemed, promised eternal life, and entitled to be called a child of the Living God, just to name a few.For a Christian to lose their Salvation, God would have to go back and revoke the purchase price which He paid for redemption with the precious blood of Jesus and the new creation would have to be thrown away, reversed, and/or destroyed. For a Christian to lose their Salvation, God would have to literally go back on His Word and go back on His promise of all of what He had previously declared; as well as He would have to take away any eternal life. Redemption cannot be taken away or undone. Eternal life cannot be lost. If a Christian can lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and change His mind; two things that Scripture tells us God never does.What about the Christians who have completely abandoned their faith, or those who have never shown fruit of Salvation? What about those who go to church yet live an immoral lifestyle? According to the Bible it can only determined that those were never really saved to begin with. So you can't lose what you never had possession of. Once saved, always saved is true, in the Bible, and forever. Mankind only looks at the outward appearance, and whats going on in front of them at the time. These who put forth ideas and teachings that a Christian can lose their Salvation cannot accurately assess who is really saved in the first place. The question therefore is not whether someone lost their salvation, but whether they had ever had it at all. As the Bible says in Romans chapter eight, "there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (v. 38-29). The Bible says that a genuine Christian will not live a continual immoral lifestyle (1 John 3:6). The Bible says that anyone who departs the faith demonstrates that they were never truly a Christian (1 John 2:19). Such actions are evidence that they were never redeemed.

Thanksgiving currently celebrated on the fourth Thursday in November, is a tradition stretching back to before the United States was ever even formed and ultimately becoming a federal holiday until 1941. Thanksgiving is an observation to give thanks to God. Most will celebrate by coming together in the home with family and friends for a time of fellowship, feasting, and giving Glory to God; yet some will not.Thanksgiving can be traced to harvest festivals which have been celebrated in many cultures since ancient times, the American holiday is tied to the deliverance of the English settlers by God, through the Native Americans, after the harsh winter at Plymouth, Massachusetts and that event has become the historical epic foundation of thanksgiving in North America. The first Thanksgiving feast lasted three whole days providing enough food for 53 pilgrims and 90 Indians. That very first Thanksgiving was celebrated to give glory, praise, and ultimate thanks to God for His Providence in helping the pilgrims survive the brutal winter. More than half of the pilgrims who began the journey to the colonies on the Mayflower died; many more would have had it not been for God using the Native Americans in teaching the pilgrims how to harvest foods in the new land.Thanksgiving today is sometimes celebrated differently in today's post-modern society. Some, if not most, don't even pray before any meal; much less praying before a thanksgiving meal. In this current self centered world the entire meaning of being thankful, as well as the true meaning of thanksgiving is tainted if not lost altogether.What are you thankful for this thanksgiving? Is your life lived in obedience and giving glory to the Lord, in the good times and the bad? Do you take many things in your life for granted? By looking at the world a little differently, you just might realize how much you have to be thankful for. Life should be focused on living in gratitude and love, fully aware of God's presence at all times. This is an attitude to have daily. For true Christians thanksgiving is not a once a year deal, it is an everyday way of life. Sharing this with joy and thanksgiving with others and showing the Love of Jesus Christ will help maintain a daily balance in the walk of life.

Marriage is a covenant and a lifelong journey. Every marriage will have ups and downs, as well as plenty of trials and rough times. The choices made during these times can most certainly make or break any commitment. But what exactly can you do when the bottom has seemed to fall out?There is couples counseling, books, conferences, and marriage gurus galore. Truth is every relationship is not a one size fits all deal, so the fix will be just as different for one as another. But one thing is for sure, if your life is not anchored to God then it will never work out for the good. If your marriage is not as solid right now as you need it to be or would like for it to be, it is definitely worth taking any risks necessary to hold on to it. Some people are willing to try anything and today's world will try to throw plenty of ideas your way. Yet the main thing is to keep the Lord first. For many this might include coming to the Lord for the first time in a long time, or maybe coming to God for the first time period.Take 10 minutes a day to reconnect. No talking about kids, bills, jobs, etc. Talk about today, tomorrow, and the future together. One night a week for a date would be a great start as well.Focus on the good. Stop trying to fix each other or whats wrong. The Holy Spirit can do the fixing if you will get yourself out of the way long enough. Understand each others needs. Conflict destroys marriage.Maintain lines of communication that build up compatibility. There is always a huge valley between how couples act and what each one actually expects. Fill this valley with the Lord and Righteousness. In other words, meditate on the Lord before acting or saying anything when your spouse fails in your expectations.Share your expectations, desires, frustrations, etc. with each other; and make a list of them together. Pray over this list and revise the list when needed.You must know your partner intimately and understand them. This is the basics of a relationship, and what true love is built out of. By the same token, if you don't have a relationship with the Lord that is intimate and understanding, then you don't know true love, and you can't give someone else something you haven't got. All things in life begin and end with God, through a relationship committed with and through His Son Jesus. This is the foundation and root of true love. The more you honor the Lord, the more honor and love will be manifested in your marriage. This will produce a joy in your marriage that is beyond any other. The more you give yourself to the Lord, the more you can give yourselves to each other. This will totally transform not only your marriage but your life as well.Just because life is a struggle doesn't mean your marriage has to be. Trust Jesus He'll see you through.

Every October, kids, as well as adults, go to stores all over to find and buy the perfect costume. The one day of the year when it's alright to dress up and be someone or something else; and take on a role of something other than themselves. As Halloween is now over many will still wear their masks year round.Whether Christian or non-Christian some people still wear their masks everyday. Literally living everyday as a plastic person and putting forth an image or idea that is not really them. Those who wear masks that put on a show of obedience and righteous living and all the while their hearts are calloused with greed and selfish desires. Those wearing masks that do not go to church do the same, in a sense. While they live an ungodly life unconcerned with anyone but themselves, they put on the mask that shows something different than their true person. So whether the person claims to be Christian or not the result is the same, plastic people wearing masks are not real; and anything that is not real is fake.There are those that wear a mask pretending to be holy and righteous on the outside, but setting life goals and standards that they could never live up to. There are those that wear masks to cover their grief, fear, loneliness, and/or despair. Some wear masks in maintaining an appearance of living outside their means, only to find themselves in huge financial debt. Others wear masks all week and even put a different one on for church each weekend, projecting an image of having it all together, while inwardly struggling with sin and other skeletons in their closets.Jesus faced these same types of people in His day as well. The Bible sometimes refers to them as the Pharisees. Jesus overcame them and provided a way for others to not be like them. Jesus saw right through the masks the Pharisees wore, and today, He sees right through our masks too. In Jesus, anyone can find freedom from wearing masks. If you are more concerned about your appearance and what others think then you are not letting God work from the inside out.Make it your goal to live life as a real person, the person Jesus Christ has created you to be, not what you or everyone else thinks you should be. Remember that God sees everything. Our actions and our hearts as well. Today, take off the mask! God is big enough to lovingly deal with the real you and, at the same time, lead you toward being conformed to the image of Christ Jesus.

Friday, October 2, 2009

Seminary education in today's society is extremely necessary for Preachers and Pastors today. Being able to reach people with the Gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ is a harder endeavor today than ever before. By the same token, an uneducated person at the helm will only make the ship weaker. With that being stated, one must have the anointing to perform the Call, while at the same time, without developing their skills and exercising their Gifts the leader's of today's church will by default make their efforts have less and less impact. Learning and developing is a life long process. In today's world the church needs impact Preachers, impact Pastors, and impact leaders.

With various college credit Seminary extension classes, numerous unaccredited correspondence courses, and some regular college courses under my belt, I will attend Tennessee Temple University online beginning in the spring. This is a major step for me as I aspire to develop myself for the Lord's use in more deeper ways. I have developed an extremely high apptitude and working knowledge of the Greek language. Not fluent in speaking, but understanding it, I look forward to develop that even more. Hebrew is a lot different, yet I look forward to the challenge. I'm right at home in theology. Especially Biblical, systematic, or church theology. I mostly look forward to raising the bar even higher in my Preaching and Pastoral skills.

The economy today has forced many to retreat a bit from formal education. With finances at the forefront and having a family, being able to afford a higher education is sometime hard to imagine. Yet my God is faithful and He will provide.

I know in my own life, while looking at attaining a Biblical education, the financial end always seem to be at the center. With a family, keeping up with the economical conditions and providing for education is hard at best.

This is where Logos Biblical software has stepped up to the challenge with a $1000 seminary scholarship to aide those reaching for not only higher education, but also a deeper impact with their lives.

A scholarship such as this would help me in so many ways I can't even begin to start the descriptions of how. The ease of the burden financially on my family seems to be at the apex of any thought on a scholarship such as this.

I can just imagine the countless others out there that a scholarship such as this would make a huge impact in their lives as well as their theological education. My general hope is that many people will get the opportunity to take part in this scholarship offering. As there are many that are in need and are attempting a higher theological education. I Pray the Lord will Bless many in this scholarship offering; and I Pray that the Lord will continue to Bless Logos so they can continue to offer it. May this grow bigger and bolder in the future.

Anyone who desires to enhance their Biblical knowledge, uplift their theological training, or just need a hand-up to help them along the way... Logos has a scholarship that you could quite possibly attain to help you along the way. Go check it out! www.seminaryscholarship.com

Thursday, October 1, 2009

Logos Bible Software has reached the halfway point of the Great Bible Giveaway promotion, having given away nearly $6,000.00 worth of ultra-premium Bibles. Logos will continue the promotion through the end of December, bringing the total value of Bibles given away to nearly $12,000.00. The promotion, which coincides with the launch of the online Bible site, http://Bible.Logos.com , has seen over 40,000 unique visitors and received more than 7,000 official entries."The Great Bible Giveaway has been a lot of fun for us," said Dan Pritchett, Vice President of Marketing and Business Development. "Every day we receive comments from people thanking us and telling us how much they appreciate what we're doing."The Bibles being given away represent the most popular translations offered online at http://Bible.Logos.com, including the ESV, NASB, NIV, NKJV, NLT, and KJV, and are the most ultra-premium versions available--several valued at well over $200.00 each.From its unique infinite scrolling ability, advanced search logic, and integration with other web tools like www.RefTagger.com and http://Ref.ly, Bible.Logos.com is quickly becoming the top-rated online Bible website.More information about the Bible giveaway can be found at: http://bible.logos.com/content/giveaway

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Finding Your Mission in LifeGod has a purpose and a plan for everyone, especially those who are genuine Christians. A person's life is simply lived as what they talk about, and what actions they exercise daily in their lives. These are specifically the things that hold them back. One of the most challenging tasks a person will face in their life will be discovering their life's mission, or purpose in life. This is one of the most important things ever in life. Some find it and move on to do great things in their life. Yet some speed a lifetime searching and never find it. There are endless stories of those struggling to find what their life's mission is. As this is their specific purpose in life. These same ones seeking what to do with their life struggle to find the bits and pieces that will lead them forward into living meaningful lives. I submit to you that apart from God and a relationship with Jesus it is impossible to find your life's mission. Jesus helps things become more clear in life and opens the eyes to see what true vocations might be and what details that may include.If you are on the journey to find your life's mission ask yourself three questions: If you knew you were going to die in five years, how would you live your life until then? If you knew you were going to die in six months, how would you live your life until then? If you found out you were going to die within 24 hours, what would you regret not having done with your life?Identifying the roadblocks and speed bumps in your life and turning them into stepping stones to fulfill God's purposes in your life mission is the best place to begin. Roadblocks and speed bumps stunt and/or eliminate spiritual growth as well as your life's mission. These can range from lack of true commitment, ungodly values, bad habits, fear, worry, addictions, attitude and so on. You must seek God's guidance and travel life's path in obedience to Him to turn those roadblocks and speed bumps in your life into stepping stones to fulfill your life's mission. Somethings that will help in this process are to be open minded, understand your strengths and weaknesses, learning to ask for help, and as always practice, persistence, and staying focused. Always be aware of your limits and be prepared to push yourself.At its very best, finding your life mission is a very spiritual process. Christians today should consider it a privilege to help others to discover their God-given design; as well as helping others to find work that gives them an opportunity to serve the Lord joyfully. My prayer is that anyone unsure or struggling to find their life's mission will use the resources within the local church to find their mission; so that the the body of Christ, the Church, will impact the community and the world as He wills.Wonderful and amazing things will happen as you discover your life's mission and as you learn to recognize God's will in your life. God will put your feet on His path; as well as show you how to follow where He leads. Live your life's mission and act on it. This is your calling as you are dreaming the dreams God has created you to pursue. Only He can equip you to fulfill them. Sometimes personal happiness will destroy practical personal productivity. God wants you to have joy and happiness, but not at the expense of Him and your life's mission. God has, in many ways, given everyone the necessary tools to help them discover who they are and how to live their lives in light of their God-given design.God will pour out some extraordinary power and love into your ordinary Life. Step out, explore your calling in your life's mission. Believe in the Lord and that He is calling you to fulfill your life to the fullest extent possible.

Trusting in Your SalvationSome today extend the thought and idea that a Christian can lose their Salvation. These often cite passages in the Bible like Matthew 7:21, James 1:25, or 2 Peter 3:17. Many times the ones declaring that a person can lose their Salvation will put forth the idea of many places in the Bible that repeatedly warn Christians to remain in Jesus and to continue in the faith so that they don’t fall away from the faith. Some times these same ones try to debate or argue that Christians who reject their faith or shipwreck their faith using words like turn away, wander, or those who disown Jesus will lose their Salvation.Most Christians have had moments of doubt concerning their salvation. After all, everyone has entertained thoughts and have committed acts were displeasing to God. Backsliding can no doubt cause such feelings to arise, and should hopefully move us to repentance (1 John 1:9). But for just a moment let's take a deeper look.A Christian is an individual who has, by faith, asked for forgiveness of their sin, received and fully trusted in Jesus Christ as their Savior. A Christian is not person who has simply claimed something without first requesting it through prayer, walked down an aisle, prayed because it was what their friends were doing, or been raised in a Christian family. The Bible says a genuine Christian is a new creation, redeemed, promised eternal life, and entitled to be called a child of the Living God, just to name a few.For a Christian to lose their Salvation, God would have to go back and revoke the purchase price which He paid for redemption with the precious blood of Jesus and the new creation would have to be thrown away, reversed, and/or destroyed. For a Christian to lose their Salvation, God would have to literally go back on His Word and go back on His promise of all of what He had previously declared; as well as He would have to take away any eternal life. Redemption cannot be taken away or undone. Eternal life cannot be lost. If a Christian can lose salvation, God would have to go back on His Word and change His mind; two things that Scripture tells us God never does.What about the Christians who have completely abandoned their faith, or those who have never shown fruit of Salvation? What about those who go to church yet live an immoral lifestyle? According to the Bible it can only determined that those were never really saved to begin with. So you can't lose what you never had possession of. Once saved, always saved is true, in the Bible, and forever. Mankind only looks at the outward appearance, and whats going on in front of them at the time. These who put forth ideas and teachings that a Christian can lose their Salvation cannot accurately assess who is really saved in the first place. The question therefore is not whether someone lost their salvation, but whether they had ever had it at all. As the Bible says in Romans chapter eight, "there is nothing that can separate us from the love of God that is in Christ Jesus our Lord" (v. 38-29). The Bible says that a genuine Christian will not live a continual immoral lifestyle (1 John 3:6). The Bible says that anyone who departs the faith demonstrates that they were never truly a Christian (1 John 2:19). Such actions are evidence that they were never redeemed.A Christian cannot lose their salvation. God is faithful. God is able and more than willing to guarantee and maintain the salvation that only He can give, that is only available through the Lord Jesus Christ. If you have struggled with this issue, remember the words of Jude, half brother of Jesus, as he wrote: “To Him who is able to keep you from falling and to present you before His glorious presence without fault and with great joy, to the only God our Savior be glory, majesty, power and authority, through Jesus Christ our Lord, before all ages, now and forevermore! Amen.” (Jude 24-25)

Tuesday, September 8, 2009

Where do you turn when you are hurting? What if it is the people you love the most that are hurting you? How can you reveal something so emotionally unspeakable?

When talking to people today it is noticeable that the understanding of Abuse is still in its infant stages within the minds of today's general population. The majority of those in society today still have misconceptions regarding the dynamics of an abusive relationship. As God is no longer the center of today's generations, people in general have formed their opinions on those myths generally held in society and not on what the Bible says.

By the same token there are many today that seem to think that the Bible is quiet or has very little to say about abuse. The Bible condemns violence and violent people. Many passages in the Bible speak on the issue of violence, including God's attitude toward those that use violence. Whether it be physical, emotional, and/or verbal forms of violence.

Abuse comes in a variety of forms, seen and unseen, physical, mental or emotional. All of which are painful. This pain becomes a mechanism which shuts out reality and eventually closes off the mind and heart to those who really care. Over time it becomes harder to reach or even help a victim in certain abuse situations. Scars and bruises, physically or emotionally, of domestic violence are clear signs of someone abused. Whether it be man, woman, and/or child.

Domestic violence, also known as domestic abuse or spousal abuse, is an ongoing epidemic in our communities nationwide. Nothing short of the Lord Jesus coming back is going to slow the current trend of family violence.

Sexual abuse is extremely less noticeable and will leave deep, open wounds in the heart and mind of the victim. Those wounds eventually turn to scars that can in turn be reopened by other issues or events later in life that, in turn, starts the emotional roller-coaster all over again.

Emotional abuse is often misunderstood or not even recognized as abuse at all. Many abusers have persuasive excuses as to why they had to treat a loved one in such a terrible, hateful, or unethical and immoral way. Including humiliating them while completely tearing down their self-esteem. This type of gross manipulation forces the victim to be seeming dependent upon the one emotionally attacking; and almost immediately the victim feels insecure and totally unable to make their own decisions.

Sometimes the victims may desire to confide in a church leader, Pastor, or deacon with the hope of some support and encouragement; only to never really muster up the courage to speak to them. Some eventually confide in other people, friends, or relatives and end up feeling even more guilty and trapped than they did before. Victims are told quite often that the whole issue is their own fault. They may be told that the abuse is due to their own choices or circumstances, lack of submissiveness, or their own sinfulness. Many victims endure the abuse for seemingly a lifetime. Ultimately dragging the innocent little ones in the family through their own abuse war, instead of seeking protection for themselves and the innocent little ones. Just imagine all the innocent little minds that have been eroded and destroyed from the impact of the various forms of abuse.

If you or someone you know is a victim of abuse, you can get help. There is a way out. You just need the courage to know and admit that you are in a hard, difficult, and bad situation. You must know and admit you need help then seek help. Abuse is a hurt that is deep, leaving painful wounds that need healing, not just covering up. Perhaps the abuse took place years ago, but does that mean that the effects of that abuse are all gone. It’s time to shift out of the mode of denial and pretense and be honest about your need to find total healing from every wound.

If you are enduring hurt, pain, or abuse now; know that God loves you, has a plan for your life, and He will give you the direction and strength to make the right choices with His wisdom and protection. It has already happened for many, it can happen for you today.

The meaning of life seemingly has a different explanation, definition, and overall expression for each individual. If a person has a closed mindset the outcome of the meaning of life will be greatly different than a person with an open mindset. If someone takes a close look it is easy to see where a closed mindset places the general environment and society in control of the outcome of that particular person’s idea or definition of the meaning of life. To an extreme point a person’s life is a result of the way they think. While thinking too long about something sometimes even becomes the person’s undoing.The over whelming consensus is that happiness is evidently the meaning of life. As long as a person is happy then obviously life is fulfilled. The United States constitution is a guarantee of a person’s right to pursue happiness. A french philosopher once said “The whole world is on a mad quest for security and happiness.”But what exactly is happiness? How is it secured? What is known for sure is that the overwhelming majority of the population of the community, as well as the world, desire happiness. It is what a person longs for in life. The human mindset is ever increasingly bent on securing happiness in their lives, in the work place, in their relationships, and in their activities.Everyone will try with all they have and all the got to secure happiness. More often than not the end result will leave them empty, unsatisfied, and regretful. Some will even lose the desire to live and at the same time have so much to really live for.

Happiness is not something that can be found. At least not by seeking it directly. What will bring the most satisfaction in life and what is longed for is definitely not what the current mindset considers meaningful.

The meaning of life is to know God.

Happiness is a by-product of a relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ.Happiness is a bonus then of self sacrifice of your own life to be given to Him for a cause much greater than you or anything else.

The meaning of life is to know God. The purpose of life is to execute what He intends for your life to be used for.

Each night we hear on the news shows how bad our economy is. While each and every day is filled with the anxiety in the faces of those who are needing help. So many of those having never needed help before. Faces full of worry and embarrassment of having to ask for something.With continuous exploring of every way possible to help; yet the resources are not keeping up with the growing demand. The fallout effect from the economic disaster has became a virtual tornado, a tsunami if you will, of need.The faces of those who have worked hard to provide for their family and the snowball keeps rolling downhill taking them and their families on a ride of despair. Utility bills, rent, mortgage, groceries, fuel…the mind boggling task of balancing what you pay. Constantly robbing from Peter to pay Paul. Many will go to bed tonight in our own community with nothing to eat for dinner; some nothing to eat all day. Come winter many will go to sleep cold. Endless accounts of families living in tents or their cars; with school kids going to the creek or truck stop to take a bath before school.What can be done about this epidemic? The answer can't be provided for everyone. Many will not swallow their pride to even be helped in the least. Some people were burdens before the economic crisis and continue to be a burden afterward. No amount of resources will help those in that category. They have a malfunction in the brain and the heart.The answer must come from one person to another person one at a time. In a community that has the fortitude and ethical background as ours; stepping up and serving a cause greater than one's own has never been more important.The local church houses are are serving more than they have ever served; and at the same time are bringing in less financially than they ever have. The shelters and missions are full of people yet empty in the pocketbook.My heart finds no comfort in that. It breaks for the many we can’t help. Those who are truly trying with all they got; yet cannot make ends meet at all.Help just one person today… you could just be the difference maker in someone's life today.

What do you think about doing with your spare time? What passions or desires are laid upon your heart to achieve? What extraordinary things make you feel more alive when you imagine yourself achieving them? What did you dream about when you were a child?

Discovering your dreams is an ongoing process. Often, as you try to make your dreams a reality, you learn more about who you really are and what things are closest to you in life.

Most of the time the road of life includes many obstacles that seem to shut down or make you think you can never achieve your dreams. Adjusting, re-aligning, or seeking direction in these times can help set your dream ship back on course. Don't be like the idiot husband that is afraid to stop and ask for directions. Never allow anxiety or fear freeze you from adjusting your course or asking for directions as you learn what your destination in life is.

In some cases the obstacles to achieving dreams are seen as finances. Not having enough money to do what you want to do. If your dream is all about making money for your own self-interest, then maybe you have the wrong dream to begin with. Do your dreams line up with God's Word and His desires? If not maybe it's time to come back to the drawing board.

Other obstacles to dreams can wear many different faces and look like many different things. Some obstacles are seen, some unseen. Some will feel sorry for themselves and seek to have a pity party instead of going after their dreams. Some will fall prey to other people's opinions of their dreams; which ultimately lead to feelings of worthlessness. When you work long and hard at what seems worthless to you or others; remember that this sense of worthlessness is a lie. The lie always seeks to destroy and/or eliminate your dreams or any future success.

Most of us were raised up thinking that all we needed to achieve success in life and security was to finish school, maybe go to college, get a good job with the right company, work hard and the rest would fall into line. But those days are over. In today’s world there’s a big, hard, and terrible economic shift currently under way. Security in life is quickly moving to unexpected change. That being stated, and it should be noted, that today's dreams will fuel the next generations world.

In every situation we have a choice. We can either choose the negative or we can choose the positive; either way you have a choice. Before you make a choice maybe you should ask yourself: where is God at in all of this? Then make any changes that are needed in your life. If you're not already working towards your dreams, you're probably trapped in a cycle that keeps going around and around; thus you're locked away from everything you dream to do or be. Break the cycle. For a lot of people, that means finally trusting the Lord.

Set clear goals that move and inspire you. Believe in yourself, your dreams, and your goals. Goals are the steel beams of life that support your dreams. Keep moving forward and live in the now. If you have trouble letting go of something in the past, give it to the Lord and move on. Those who constantly live in the past will be doomed to stay in the past.

To truly succeed in anything and achieve your dreams you will have to learn how to endure adversity and failure. The ability to feel confident in the midst of heated adversity and obvious failure is a God given gift. When it seems you're trapped in the ditch of adversity or in the dark valleys of failure, seek God. God can initiate success. When talent and effort have been exhausted, the Lord will carry you through to the end. Sometimes all that is needed to change a hopeless situation is the ability to be still and know He is working in this with you.

Life is a journey and discovering exactly what God built you for can be exciting. Take a fresh look at where you are, recognize your talents, embrace your passions, discover who you really are. Being built in His image and with His help you have the ability to achieve and to do anything. Trust God, trust yourself, and never limit yourself. Be persistent. Finish what you start, even if it seems like it's taking forever. Stick to what you know; and what you don't know, learn it.

Everything changes, that's guaranteed. Any darkness in life will pass and in the face of failure trust God. He can drive you on to achieve your dreams.